Cycling across Canada creates plenty of opportunities to sample the local cuisine along the way. During our Oh, Canada! tour we’ll cycle through vast areas of wilderness with little population, and here our camp kitchen will be the focal point for our appetites. There will also be many rest days in busy cities where you can feel free to choose from an array of local eateries. What is unique about this tour, from a culinary perspective, is something that we’ve never done at TDA before. We are organizing 5 restaurant dinners along our ride that we hope will give everyone on the tour a taste of what makes each respective city or town special from a culinary perspective. We will also be doing one culturally rich dinner ourselves, in Haida Gwaii in our very first campsite of the trip.

Salmon Cooked on the Beach on Haida Gwaii

We feel incredibly lucky that we can start our tour in Haida Gwaii. It is an archipelago that many have dreamed about visiting but few get the chance. It is also an incredible opportunity to experience the Haida culture, and a fitting place to give perspective when celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday, knowing that the Haida have been on this land for over 17,000 years.

Salmon has always been a central part of the Haida culinary culture. The seasonal bounty of the salmon would see the Haida moving to river camps when the salmon would arrive. Fishing with nets, and smoking the excess catch, which would hopefully last them through the winter. To this day the salmon is greatly respected in Haida culture, and we feel again lucky to be able to cook salmon on our first camp night of the tour, over an open fire. Let us all hope for no rain☺

There is More to Calgary than Steak

Our first night out will be in Calgary. It’s a city that the person writing this blog grew up in, and during the 80’s and early 90’s everything about food in Calgary was about steak. I actually remember in the late 80’s there was supposed to be a “Vegetable Day” in the city, not Vegetarian Day, just a day to celebrate Vegetables as part of our diet. It had to be cancelled after the beef industry got upset.

This is no longer the city I grew up in though. The food scene in Calgary exploded in a positive way in the late 90’s and never looked back. Innovative Chefs with a liking for local food producers started creating some of the best new restaurants in the country. It didn’t hurt that the petroleum industry was hitting new heights and there was money to be spent on dining out. Some of the most exciting new restaurants started up in restored heritage buildings in the heart of the city. The cuisine also expanded, with an eclectic array of tastes and a blend of culinary backgrounds taking hold. While the thought of Calgary still brings to mind the taste of a fat juicy steak to many, we will look to introduce you to a contemporary take on the culinary scene.

Winnipeg: A City with Growing Diversity

Winnipeg is a city that’s always been known for its winter, which runs on the colder side of things. Happily though it’s also a city known for a growing diversity in its’ population, and this diversity brings a whole new spectrum to the local cuisine.

From the original First Nations inhabitants, to the early settlers from Britain, France, Iceland, Poland, Germany, Ukraine, and newer settlers from countries such as the Philippines and Nigeria, the food choices are ever growing.

We plan to introduce you to this scene and sample a taste of both the new and old Winnipeg.

Market Based Cuisine in Montreal

Montreal is the second largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris, and has the second most restaurants per capita in North America. So if you’re looking for an amazing French inspired meal, you don’t have to walk far.

This is another city that I can add some personal information too. I was fortunate to work for some of the best chefs in Montreal a little over ten years ago. Some of whom are still working in the city today. From that experience I know that at the heart of the restaurant scene is a market based cuisine, that sees farmers, mushroom pickers, honey producers and more coming together with chefs to provide the freshest, tastiest meals.

We’ll try and hook up with some of my old chef work mates to bring you a taste of contemporary Montreal.

Lobster Feast in Charlottetown

OK, this is another place that I have some history with. I attended the Culinary Institute of Canada in Charlottetown many years ago. During that time I was lucky enough to witness a growing sophistication in the local restaurant scene, with many chef’s graduating from the Culinary Institute.

It’s a childhood memory of mine though that will point us towards our culinary experience in Charlottetown… Envision long wooden tables that seat locals and tourists from around the world. A bib to go around your neck. Butter and biscuits on the table, and then the lobsters start arriving. It’s a lobster fest and I’d say it’s a bit gluttonous, but after nearly cycling your way across Canada, I think you will have earned the right to indulge.

Our Big Celebration in St. John’s

Our final meal together of the trip will take place in a city that was raised on Cod and wild edibles. Not blessed with abundant agriculture Newfoundland always relied on the native plants that grew and the fish that swam in the Oceans near and far. On those cold winter nights another mainstay was Screech Rum from Jamaica that was traded to Newfoundland in exchange for Salt Cod.

We will break bread together in a warm and sheltered venue not far from the Atlantic’s expanse, and celebrate St. John’s culinary traditions and our achievement of crossing Canada by bike.

Check out some other unique features on the Oh, Canada! Cycling Expedition.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2016/11/local-heritage-celebration-meals-on-oh-canada/feed/0Is It Safe to Cycle Across Europe?http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2016/10/is-it-safe-to-cycle-across-europe/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2016/10/is-it-safe-to-cycle-across-europe/#commentsTue, 18 Oct 2016 15:39:23 +0000http://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=26995 It is easy to say an automatic yes to this question, especially as someone who has spent a decade helping]]>

It is easy to say an automatic yes to this question, especially as someone who has spent a decade helping organize and run trans-continental cycling tours, including multiple trips across Europe. However, with the attention the refugee movement into Europe from Syria and North Africa has garnered, as well as ISIS attacks in Paris, Brussels and Istanbul, it is worth answering this question in more detail.

Tourists and Cyclists are not the Targets of Terrorism

First bit of info is pretty straightforward. No touring cyclist has come to any undue harm from any terrorist attack in Europe. Zero. OK, zero reported, but in this day and age you can believe any harm from this type of violence is reported ad infinitum. From a professional level operating bicycle tours in Europe, there has been no difference related to these attacks in the level of risk on our tours that our clients face on the road each day or in our campsites or hotels.

If you want to stretch it you could say that your risk of harm in arriving to an airport in Europe could be higher than previous years due to terrorism, but just on that note, you are approximately 11,000 times more likely to die in a human error or mechanical related airplane crash than by a terrorist attack involving an airport. So if your plane makes a safe landing you can relax. Actually you can relax on the plane too, as your chance of perishing on route is approximately 1 in 11,000,000.

How Does the Refugee Crisis Factor into This?

Is there an increased threat of harm to cycle tourists from the movement of refugees in Europe? The question is a bit of an oxymoron. Refugees by their very nature are the ones at risk, not locals or tourists. In our post-factual political climate though this correlation is often warped beyond recognition. While there may be legitimate socio-economic fears regarding refugees, guess what, even beyond the lack of increased risk of physical harm towards locals or tourists, there isn’t even a long-term case for negative economic outcomes from large-scale movements of refugees.

The Motor Vehicle is Our Greatest Risk Factor

So to get past these issues leads us to the most relevant issue regarding the initial question of is it safe to cycle across Europe. Motorized vehicles. As with cycling anywhere in the world the greatest risk to the cyclist is indeed just that. Guess what though, Europe has seen a drop of over 40% in bicycle accident related deaths since 2001, and with ever increasing bicycle paths and driver education this number will continue to decrease.

It also helps when you have a cycling tour company researching and designing the route to take in the most scenic as well as the safest roads possible.

What is the most likely issue you’ll come across cycling across Europe? From my ten years of experience, I would say it would be over imbibing in the endless local spirits!

Miles MacDonald is the Operations Manager for TDA Global Cycling. He is also a former Canadian National Team cyclist on the European cicuit, and a former chef – having cooked on a number of our companies tours, including several times in Europe on the Trans-Europa, and Orient Express cycle tours.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2016/10/is-it-safe-to-cycle-across-europe/feed/0The Pope Made Me Do It: Revised Route via Košice and Budapesthttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2015/11/the-pope-made-me-do-it-revised-route-via-kosice-and-budapest/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2015/11/the-pope-made-me-do-it-revised-route-via-kosice-and-budapest/#commentsTue, 17 Nov 2015 20:36:03 +0000http://tdaglobalcycling.com/?p=23765 See the details of the 2016 Trans-Europa cycling tour here. Creating bicycle tours in Europe is one of the best]]>

Creating bicycle tours in Europe is one of the best jobs in the world. There are so many highlights, so many great roads; often the toughest decision is figuring out what you have to miss, rather than what there is to see (read what some of the past cyclists had to say). So when we heard that Pope Francis was coming to Krakow at the same time as we were scheduled to arrive in the city, and that his followers had booked up every hotel room within 50 km, we were confident that another route – just as enticing – could be found.

From our Trans Europa staff, who conveniently live in Slovakia and Hungary, as well as from the founder of TDA, Henry Gold, whose roots are nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains of Slovakia, we devised a new adventure. From Warsaw we have the chance to follow nearby to the Wisla River as it meanders southward across the Polish countryside, visiting small villages and towns. As we arrive in Southeast Poland we leave the Wisla River behind to head towards Slovakia and the town of Košice. Before arriving in Košice though we will tackle the very Carpathian Mountains where Henry Gold grew up, perhaps we’ll even get to see some of his relatives along the way!

Košice is a city we’ve never visited on a TDA trip before. In eastern Slovakia it boasts a wealth of history, and was indeed named the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Our friends at Lonely Planet describe the city this way:

“Košice was always a medieval gem awaiting discovery. New enhancements build on an arts scene already home to the paintings of Andy Warhol and one of Europe’s loveliest theatres. Its vast oval-shaped námestie (central square) contains the largest collection of historical monuments in Slovakia, enlivened by a myriad buzzing cafes and restaurants. Out of town, nature encroaches spectacularly with the delights of Central Europe’s grandest cave network. It’s the base of choice, too, for forays deeper into the tradition-seeped east.”

From Košice we will head to the southern edge of Slovakia where we will enter Hungary, one of the greatest empires of not so distant times. Sticking to a northern route we will experience a part of the country rarely seen by tourists and a taste of the “real” Hungary, before our arrival in one of the most upbeat and bohemian cities of Europe, Budapest. With two rest days to enjoy the tastes, sites and sounds, and no doubt some great touristic suggestions from our tour leader Gergo, who lives in Budapest.

Gergo has been telling us for years of the wonders of cycling alongside Lake Balaton, where his family has been going on bike journeys together for three decades, and now it’s our chance to experience it with him. We’ll head out from Budapest and then ride along the lake’s northern shore, and most certainly enjoying a swim each day after our work in the saddle is complete. Soon after the country of Slovenia awaits where we’ll rejoin our previous Trans Europa route and continue on all the way to Lisbon.

Take a look here at the two sections that have been revised as a result of our dear friend the Pope:
The Amber Route from Vilnius to Budapest
The Alps and Adriatic from Budapest to Venice

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2015/11/the-pope-made-me-do-it-revised-route-via-kosice-and-budapest/feed/0Summer Cycling in Europehttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2015/07/summer-cycling-in-europe-2/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2015/07/summer-cycling-in-europe-2/#commentsTue, 21 Jul 2015 17:37:41 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=21834 One of the many positives of cycling in France in July is that the Tour de France is happening at]]>

One of the many positives of cycling in France in July is that the Tour de France is happening at the same time; the whole country has cycling on the brain. Our Orient Express riders may not be riding up the slopes at TDF pace but they’re certainly challenging themselves each day with the distances, climbs and heat.

Since we departed Paris the group is getting into the rhythm of the tour. Early morning wake-ups, finding their way each day, taking in enough fluids to beat the heat, enjoying Chef Vilma’s nutritious and tasty dinners and Tour leader Gergo’s always interesting rider meetings.

This year on the trip we have 19 cyclists going the whole way to Istanbul. 5 from the UK, 2 from Australia, 4 from Canada, 5 from America, 2 from Norway and 1 from New Zealand. While we at Tour d’Afrique provide the framework and organization behind the tour, it is truly the cyclists that make the tour what it is.

The camaraderie and friends made during the Orient Express is the most important element of the tour, even more than the cycling!:) It’s what keeps people coming back for more and more group bicycle tours and we are very happy it is our profession to provide people this opportunity.

The tour has now entered Germany and we are having our 2nd rest day of the tour in Freiburg. It’s my 4th time here with the tour but by far the city seems most alive this year. The streets are buzzing with thousands of bikes, university students enjoying the lazy summer days, film festivals, music events and best of all a general lack of cars in the city center. It’s an easy city to feel at home in. To cross Europe though you have to keep on pedaling so we’ll be off tomorrow heading to the start of Germany’s Danube River trail.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2015/07/summer-cycling-in-europe-2/feed/2Preparing the Orient Expresshttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2015/07/preparing-the-orient-express/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2015/07/preparing-the-orient-express/#commentsSat, 11 Jul 2015 23:07:37 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=21750 Preparation for the Orient Express tour starts a full year before the cyclists take their first pedal strokes heading towards]]>

Preparation for the Orient Express tour starts a full year before the cyclists take their first pedal strokes heading towards Istanbul. Booking of hotel rooms for our rest days is first in line. Unlike in some parts of the world where hotel proprietors don’t take any bookings until a month before arrival, the summertime in western Europe is so busy that the bookings must be done a year in advance.

Another task is to take a thorough look at the previous edition’s route, and decide if there are any small or large changes to be made. Since the first edition of the Orient Express in 2005 we have continually sought to find quieter and more scenic roads to cycle on. Some years we decide to re-scout some of the route as well, months in advance of the tour.

Hiring the staff for the trip happens about 4-6 months before the start in Paris. We are in a very lucky situation at this time in that we have a skilled team of staff all located on the European continent to work on the Orient Express.

Campsite bookings are done in the spring before the tour. Often the campsites are dormant in the winter and just waking up when we contact them in April. Most of these camps know us quite well at this point and are pleased at our return every other year.

Equipment for the tour is checked through and repaired or replaced if necessary. Camp stoves are tested, propane refilled, tires on our tour vehicle changed… Closer to the start of the tour we purchase a bulk quantity of dry foods to be used during the trip. Jerseys, race plates and medals for the cyclists are designed and made. Transit arrangements for staff are made for getting to Paris.

Nearly 20 bulletins are sent out to participants full of information related to the tour. Direct communication with the cyclists on the trip often starts about a year before the tour as well, or in the case of some multiple years before. Some clients plan this trip for years, while we have had others sign up just days before our departure.

When it comes down to a couple days before the start of the tour all of the pre-tour planning and preparation makes for a busy but calm feeling in Paris. Our staff are helping the cyclists with assembling their bikes, as well as out checking the route for the first day, shopping for fresh produce and meat, acquiring any last minute equipment, setting up local Sim cards in all their phones. The official rider briefing is held the morning of the day before our departure from Paris. Then it will be a time for introductions and all the expectation and excitement for getting going will be shared.

That is where we are at just now. After a year of getting ready our 2015 Orient Express is ready to roll. Beautiful weather in Paris has greeted us and all 23 riders are set for their first 2 day stretch of riding to Troyes, where on our first rest day we will celebrate national French holiday of Bastille Day!

The 2014 Trans Europa Tour is complete. The group arrived safe and sound in Lisbon after enjoying a convoy ride through the city, including a stop at the central plaza for photos. Bikes are now packed, everyone is checked into the hotel and we shall meet again to celebrate our accomplishment at a restaurant in the very popular Chiado neighborhood.

Last night we watched a great slideshow put together by our very talented staff person Vilma. The pictures and video from St. Petersburg all the way to Portugal brought back lots of memories. More than one cyclist has been heard saying that they can’t believe the trip is actually finished. It’s never easy readjusting to life off the bike after a few months on it, but it has been a very strong group of riders on this Tour with a lot of positive energy so I suspect they will do just fine.

We at Tourd’Afrique would like to congratulate all the participants who rode with us this year on the Trans Europa. It is a wonderful route, and an amazing way to cross the entire European continent, but of course without the cyclists themselves it would only be an idea, so thank you for making it real. Special congratulations go out to 2 of our cyclists as well; Peter Hodges and Chin Chuan Chen for riding “EFI”

The next edition starts up in July 2016. We hope to see you there!

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/09/the-2014-trans-europa-arrives-in-lisbon/feed/0Iberian Crossing, er, Climbinghttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/09/iberian-crossing-er-climbing/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/09/iberian-crossing-er-climbing/#commentsSun, 21 Sep 2014 18:00:56 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=18294 The Trans Europa Tour is currently enjoying a rest day in the old town of Caceres, Spain; an official UNESCO]]>

The Trans Europa Tour is currently enjoying a rest day in the old town of Caceres, Spain; an official UNESCO world heritage site. The architecture here is a mix of Roman, Islamic, and Northern Gothic. Interestingly there is even one tower within the old town that was built for the grandson of the first Aztec who the Spanish colonizer Cortes met upon his landing in Mexico. Needless to say there is no shortage of exploring to be done within the walls of this quiet city.

To get here from Barcelona, via Madrid was no easy task. We have had as much climbing in the last 10 days of cycling as we nearly had in the previous 2 months of cycling. There are no flat stretches in Spain! There are also few days without great scenery of the surrounding mountains. We’ve also had the chance to cycle through 2 national parks along the way. The most recent was through Monfrague where over 200 pairs of vultures reside year round. According to our investigative cyclist Tom the park allows local ranchers to let their cattle graze within the boundaries of the park, but if the cows get lost and do not return to their ranch the ranchers are not allowed to enter the park to retrieve the cattle. Hence the vultures have grown to enjoy the occasional feast when the cows stray off their usual paths. Luckily none of our cyclists got lost while passing through the park!

We now have a very small group of riders, just 5 in fact. They have become pretty tight knit and really take care of each other on the road each day. It’s great to see this kind of teamwork and I think everyone is enjoying each day that much more because of it. They are very supportive of the staff as well and all around it’s made for a great time in Spain.

We’ll do our best to stay safe, healthy and happy till Lisbon, I would say dry too but the rains have started in this part of the world so we’ll see!

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/09/iberian-crossing-er-climbing/feed/0Time in the Saddlehttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/09/time-in-the-saddle/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/09/time-in-the-saddle/#commentsWed, 03 Sep 2014 16:16:16 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17745 It’s really been a wonderful journey through Italy and France Is there a perfect amount of time to spend on]]>

It’s really been a wonderful journey through Italy and France

Is there a perfect amount of time to spend on the bike during a bicycle tour? I suppose it depends on whom you ask. If you polled the clients of bike tour companies that provide luxury trips in Tuscany with 4 star hotels and fine dining in the evenings after a massage the answer would be about 2 hours. If you polled the riders on more adventurous tours such as ours the answer might be about 4 – 5 hours. After observing the last 2 weeks of our Trans Europa Tour though I would say it’s about 6 – 7 hours. The reason?

There is a sweet spot of physical exertion that creates just the right level of tiredness and satisfaction from accomplishment for everyone to be riding a wave of euphoria. That doesn’t mean they aren’t cursing half the riding day regarding the hills or headwind, but in the end their body is just able to recover well enough each day to stay healthy, strong and motivated for more riding. As well the hours spent in the saddle are hours not spent sitting in camp pondering what they need to do when they get home or what they’d rather eat or what they think they’d rather be doing at that exact point in time.

In other words cycling really is bliss. As hard as it is, as frustrating as some moments on the bike can be, it is an amazing way to channel your energy. Cycling in your hometown everyday can accomplish this of course, but when you throw in experiencing new sights, sounds, cultures, languages, architecture and food everyday on a trans-continental journey. Well… I think the writing is on the wall.

That is the long winded version of saying that yes, the last couple weeks of the Trans Europa have been pretty challenging, with some long days in the saddle. However everything written above is true! It’s really been a wonderful journey through Italy and France during that time and as we head south towards Barcelona now we’ll be enjoying the company of 7 of our cyclists who will be departing from there. So we’ll do our best to enjoy the next 5 days with some amazing views along the Spanish coast, our first chance to enjoy some Paella, bountiful oyster restaurants and of course the great city of Barcelona itself.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/09/time-in-the-saddle/feed/0Coastal Meccahttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/coastal-mecca/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/coastal-mecca/#commentsFri, 29 Aug 2014 18:00:23 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17710 The late August pilgrimage of sun-worshipping Italians and French to the Riviera is in full swing and our Trans Europa]]>

The late August pilgrimage of sun-worshipping Italians and French to the Riviera is in full swing and our Trans Europa Tour is busy riding through them. I think you could say literally riding through them as the scenic coastal road which we started cycling in Genova and stay on till just past Cannes is covered in “traffic furniture”; tourists, locals, cars… everything moving in slow motion. These days of cycling are incredibly busy for the eyes and memorable for the view of the coastal mountains and the endless towns passed through, including San Remo, Monaco, Nice and others.

Speaking of our route, anyone who is a fan of elite cycling will recognize a lot of the roads we are on from watching the classic cycling race: Milan – San Remo. Our route travels along the same roads, however we are very kind and don’t make our cyclists travel up the famous Cipressa or Poggio climbs on the way towards San Remo!

Since Venice our cyclists have been averaging about 125km per/day! Our first days out of Venice were very flat along the Po River, but since heading up into the coastal mountains to get to Genova the route has averaged around 1000m of climbing per/day also. Needless to say people are tired! It’s a big accomplishment completing the last 6 days of cycling so hats off to everyone.

Our next 3 days take us through Provence, it’s a nice break from the endless population of the coast and also has some stunning scenery with the famous olive groves, vineyards and rocky landscapes people associate with the region. The days are a bit shorter in distance too!

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/coastal-mecca/feed/0Welcome to Italyhttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/welcome-to-italy/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/welcome-to-italy/#commentsFri, 22 Aug 2014 15:39:20 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17653 We all have our favorite countries in Europe, but I’d guess a good chunk of us list Italy at the]]>

We all have our favorite countries in Europe, but I’d guess a good chunk of us list Italy at the top. Our Trans Europa Tour entered Italy a few days ago, crossing just south of the Italian Alps (though the final 10km climb leaving Slovenia certainly felt like a mountain) You can sense the difference in cultures as soon as you enter this country. The people are noisier, their passions more obvious, the cuisine is far more complex and interesting; though finding the right restaurant that can showcase this is no less challenging. Cycling is also a much larger part of the culture, with their racing heroes revered for decades after their careers end and everyone from little kids are on bikes to grandmas grocery shopping by bike in the villages.

Three of our cyclists have departed from Venice and it’s sad to see them go. Luckily we also have a new group of riders joining here including 3 sturdy alumni who have been riding with us since 2006. For the dozen riders cycling with us from here to Barcelona it’s going to be a good adventure. Some of the upcoming highlights include…

Italy’s Po River bicycle trail. For the most part we are away from cars and get to see the ancient villages along the river from high up on the embankment.

Crossing the Coastal mountains. Our ride up to Bobbio, Italy has some spectacular small roads to traverse (not easy as all up hill!) The following day though allows us to descend down to the Sea and Genoa with some stunning views along the way.

Don’t Blink! The ride from Genoa to Cannes has so much for the eyes to take in it’s hard to find time to do anything but look around. Non-stop people, towns, cities, restaurants, cafes, cars, beaches and beautiful scenery.

Three days in Provence. From Cannes to Montpellier takes us into the wine country of Provence. As TDA founder Henry Gold once said on our Africa Tour “this is not a Tour in Provence” well, we can’t say that here.

The coast of Spain. Beautiful days of cycling long Spain’s northeast coastline, just skirting the Pyrenees.

It’s going to be a great section of riding!

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/welcome-to-italy/feed/0New Beginingshttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/new-beginings/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/new-beginings/#commentsThu, 14 Aug 2014 15:08:41 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17602 The donuts are about the size of your face With 8 of our cyclists departing in Bratislava and 4 cyclists]]>

The donuts are about the size of your face

With 8 of our cyclists departing in Bratislava and 4 cyclists joining it felt like a new Tour setting off from the Slovakian capitol. Our 6-day stretch of cycling took us to the Slovenian capitol of Ljubljana, but not before crossing through Austria and Hungary. In fact in our first day we cycled through 3 countries!

The days in Hungary and Austria were a breeze after the hills of Slovakia. We cycled along the Neusiedler See Lake, whose bicycle paths are packed with local cyclists enjoying the hot summer weather. There are no shortages of opportunities to stop and sample the local cuisine along the way and certainly no shortage of beer stops if sought after. While in Hungary our Tour leader Gergo, Hungarian, was able to give some important tips on communicating with the locals and some highlights of the route there which he’s been cycling since he was a kid.

Our entry into Slovenia brought us back to the hills. Many who have cycled the Trans Europa think of Slovenia as the most beautiful country we pass through, though Spain is certainly vying for that position as well. Our days in Slovenia brought us through vineyards, apple orchards, terraced hills and ginormous campsites! The final day from Prebold to Ljubljana also brought us to the world famous town of Trojane. They sell so many donuts that there is an entry door and exit door to keep the line moving through what appears to be a donut factory. The donuts are about the size of your face so fitting it in your mouth requires a bit of calculation. Needless to say pretty much all our cyclists stopped to try the local delicacy.

Ljubljana is the smallest of the capitol cities we pass through on this trip and has an extremely relaxed vibe. It also has an amazing market with great food carts for meals and no shortage of wine bars and cafes. Many of the cyclists also took the funicular up to the castle perched on top of the hill in the middle of the city from which you can view the surrounding mountains.

From here we are looking at 3 days of cycling to Venice! Italy is the beginning of our “Latin” portion of the trip and it’s certainly a whole different world, and one to look forward to.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/new-beginings/feed/0How to find a place to sleep on the Trans Europa #TE2014http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/how-to-find-a-place-to-sleep-on-the-trans-europa-te2014/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/how-to-find-a-place-to-sleep-on-the-trans-europa-te2014/#commentsThu, 07 Aug 2014 17:44:57 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17523 Before getting into the subject of this blog, let’s take a look back at the past week of riding… Leaving]]>

Before getting into the subject of this blog, let’s take a look back at the past week of riding…

Leaving Krakow put us directly in the path of the Tatra Mountains and they did not disappoint. With days of around 1800metres climbing everyone had to work hard to get up and over the many hills. The most scenic day was likely our first full day in Slovakia from the tiny mountain village of Vitanova to Turany. We climbed up and over a long pass and from the top we could see the distant peaks of the High Tatras and down below was an ocean of clouds covering the valley floor. The descent sent us speeding through the clouds.

Another scenic day was from Banska Stiavnica, whose medieval town center is a UNESCO heritage site, to Jelenec. After a month on the Tour without rain the skies made up for it with an incredible deluge for the first 3 hours of our riding day. It made the 6km climb out of Banska Stiavnica slightly more difficult, but it certainly made the technical 18km descent afterwards interesting!

So back to the subject of the blog. Our day into Jelenec was supposed to end with us camping in the grounds of a kind of hostel/kids camp. However on arrival we realized that due to a very large group of youngsters we would have to camp far from where we have stayed in the past and only have access to one toilet/shower. Not ideal. So… after remembering a small sign nearby for a different pension with a camping sign we started driving to check it out. That led us onto a tiny road leading higher and higher into the mountains. Eventually we stopped to talk to a local. Our bicycle mechanic Peter, who is from Slovakia, did the talking and we realized we’d passed the pension much earlier but the gates had been shut. It wasn’t easy to leave the conversation, as the mountain man didn’t seem to have many people to talk to up there in the middle of nowhere.

Turning around, lots of fun with a 7-meter long van on a tiny mountain road, we headed back down towards the locked gate of the pension. Finding a phone number on the gate we called the owner. After some back and forth negotiations we came to a deal where we could stay inside the pension and the owner would be over quickly to open up the place. Once the owner arrived and we entered it became apparent the pension was once a true gem. Clay court tennis with night lighting, a swimming pool, bar, etc… However nothing had been touched in years and everything was slipping into total disrepair. Luckily inside the pension was still being kept up and was clean. Beside the pension what was once extra cottages and a large soccer field had been turned into a fenced area for deer – 13 in total. The owner said he kept them for his grandchildren to see.

So, I guess you could say that finding a place to sleep on the Trans Europa can be as much a part of the adventure as finding your way along the many roads of Europe each day. Never a dull moment.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/how-to-find-a-place-to-sleep-on-the-trans-europa-te2014/feed/0Krakowhttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/krakow/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/krakow/#commentsSat, 02 Aug 2014 12:41:23 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17492 Our ride into Krakow was the hilliest stage we have had yet on the Tour. After 3 weeks of mostly]]>

Our ride into Krakow was the hilliest stage we have had yet on the Tour. After 3 weeks of mostly flat ground though the change of pace was welcomed. It’s also good preparation for our next few days of riding, which will take us through the mountains of the Western Tatras in Slovakia. For quite a few of our cyclists this next 5 day stretch of riding will mark the end of their time on our Tour, as they depart in Bratislava.

The cyclists are currently enjoying the 2nd of 2 rest days in Krakow, Poland. Though perhaps the days would be better described as touristic exploration days than rest days.

Krakow is a city full of sights, and to give you an idea of what people have been seeing here are 5 of the most popular destinations in the city.

Main Market Square:
The largest medieval square in Europe created in 1257. Surrounded by churches, some older than the square itself, it is now full of life, with restaurants and bars every few meters. Just beneath the ground is Europe’s largest underground museum, which showcases Krakow’s place in history.

The Cloth Hall:
Also created in the late 13th century if provided two long halls for cloth merchants to sell their wares. Burnt and then rebuilt it still serves as a marketplace for Krakow’s citizens.

Barbican:
From the 15th century this building was designed as the initial defense against invasion. Sitting outside the city walls and surrounded by a moat. It’s 3 meter walls and 7 observation towers gave the city an impressive defensive feature.

Old Synagogue:
Built by Czech Jews in the 15th century it is one of the oldest Synagogues in Poland. Destroyed by the Nazi’s during World War 2 it is now open as a museum of Jewish culture and displays a history of the extermination of the Krakow Jews by the Nazi’s.

Wawel Hill:
Settled as early as the 10th century, before the Polish state was formed, this area of land is now home to the Royal Castle and has been the place of Kings in Poland since the 13th century.

*Above descriptions from “Guide Around Krakow”

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/08/krakow/feed/0Polski Timehttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/polski-time/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/polski-time/#commentsMon, 28 Jul 2014 19:38:28 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17467 Either the world is getting smaller or the sausages are getting larger, but it is for sure there is no]]>

Either the world is getting smaller or the sausages are getting larger, but it is for sure there is no shortage of sausage now that we’ve entered Poland. The same can be said for perogis, stuffed pancakes and cold beer. The cyclists had started to crave some more cafes and shops to stop along the way each day as the northern countries are stunning for their forests and lakes but of course there is not as much population. Poland still has remarkable forest settings and our camps have had great scenery but the population is much beyond the Baltic States and hence an espresso during the ride is more likely to be found.

After Russia and then the Baltic States, crossing into Poland marks the 3rd region of the Tour, with that being Central Europe. The border between Lithuania and Poland is now open as both countries are in the Schengen zone, however the immigration and customs buildings are still visible. It was here that the Soviet Union had its western most border, though the Soviet army was stationed in Poland and beyond.

We are now into our 3rd week of warm temperatures and little to no rain. It’s been a big plus for sure and made the cycling that much more enjoyable. Our group grew in Vilnius with 3 new riders from Arizona. They’ve fit in very well and are enjoying the roads and camaraderie of the group. They have some great stories of cycling in Arizona!

At this time the cyclists are out enjoying the sights of Warsaw. There is a festival ongoing and it appears there will be a concert just beside our hotel, so life is good. Sausages, beer and all. In the morning we’ll be on the road again, with 2 long days of cycling and 1 shorter but hillier day to get to Krakow and our next rest day.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/polski-time/feed/0Bike the Baltic now complete.http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/bike-the-baltic-now-complete/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/bike-the-baltic-now-complete/#commentsMon, 21 Jul 2014 16:44:15 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17339 The first section of the Trans Europa tour is now complete. Bike the Baltic, from St. Petersburg to Vilnius concluded]]>

The first section of the Trans Europa tour is now complete. Bike the Baltic, from St. Petersburg to Vilnius concluded with a 130km ride yesterday to our hotel in the heart of the old city. To give a sense of our first section here are 8 interesting events/facts…

• When we began the Tour in St. Petersburg the number of daylight hours was 18 ½, on arriving in Vilnius we are now enjoying 16 ½ hours of daylight. As much as we love daylight those extra 2 hours of darkness make for happier sleeps.

• Apart from restaurant meals our camp dinners have been;

Spaghetti Bolognese

BBQ Chicken with Celery Root and Carrots in Orange sauce with rice.

Butternut Squash Risotto with Pork Chops

Gorgonzola Gnocchi with pan fried Salmon

Tomato Pasta with Turkish Meatballs

Potato Salad, Beets and Grilled Sausages

Thai Green Curry with Chicken, Zucchini and Peppers

• The cyclists have covered 1200km, including about 45km of “country roads”, our new euphemism for dirt.

• 10 cyclists began the Tour in St. Petersburg, 1 joined in Tallin, 1 joined just south of Riga. 1 cyclist is departing from Vilnius and 2 our joining the Tour here.

• We had 7 nights of camping during this stretch. 3 of our riders managed to only camp 1 night out of the 7 by finding indoor accommodation at our campsites.

• We used approximately 30 rolls of flagging tape to mark the turns each day along the route. For the benefit of the local environment the tape is biodegradable.

• Amazingly for the Baltic States we did not have any rain during our time on the bikes, and the only rain was some showers one night in Estonia.

• In 12 days of cycling only the last 2 days had anything that would qualify as a hill. The Baltic States provide a great training ground to get ready for the rest of the Tour and the upcoming climbs in the Tatra Mountains of Slovakia.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/bike-the-baltic-now-complete/feed/0No walk in the park.http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/no-walk-in-the-park/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/no-walk-in-the-park/#commentsFri, 18 Jul 2014 17:32:14 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17259 Likely many of the family and friends of the Trans Europa cyclists imagine that everyday on Tour is non-stop bliss,]]>

Likely many of the family and friends of the Trans Europa cyclists imagine that everyday on Tour is non-stop bliss, a vacation spent cycling along pristine bicycle paths, sunflowers standing tall against the startlingly blue sky, and of course there are only tailwinds and downhills.

Well, so that you don’t think they are on a pure vacation we should inform you that our cyclists are working very hard most days!:) I think it was a major accomplishment for many of them this past riding stretch to conquer about 40km of off road segment; with sand, rocks and corrugation. They toughed it out and there were some tired bodies at camp but they ate more than usual, drank a little less beer than usual and slept earlier to help recover. They are now enjoying a very well deserved day of rest in Riga, the capital of Latvia.

Interestingly we are staying in Riga during the World Youth Choir Championships. At our Hotel are groups from Papua New Guinea, China, Philippines and other countries. Our Taiwanese cyclist, Chin, was very happy to see the Chinese group in the hotel lobby, as it was his first chance in sometime to speak his native language.

Our first night out of Tallinn during this past riding stretch had us camping at the country home of a man who is the importer of Tabasco sauce into Estonia and many other food products. The business seems to be going well as his century old home was beautifully renovated and he was happy to show the interior. He was off to Kyrgyzstan next week to climb a 7000m peak in the Tian Shan range, after previously climbing the highest peaks on 3 different continents.

Our next stretch of riding takes us to Lithuania and the capital city of Vilnius. I am sure there will be more interesting locals to meet along the way. One local we won’t meet is the campsite owner in Anyksicia where we stayed in 2012. His crazed guard dog ended up chewing on my arm! 2014 = a new camp.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/no-walk-in-the-park/feed/0West before Southhttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/west-before-south/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/west-before-south/#commentsSun, 13 Jul 2014 17:28:07 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17191 our 4 American cyclists were all held for questioning when they tried to exit the country at the Russian border.]]>

our 4 American cyclists were all held for questioning when they tried to exit the country at the Russian border.

On our trip across Europe, Russia is the one country that is not part of the EU. It has a different feel than any of the other countries we cross through and its’ remarkable history in literature, art and expansionism/military conquest are prevalent. With all of the recent media bombardment in the West (and in Russia) regarding Ukraine it is that much more important to arrive and be able to experience for oneself the feeling and way of life of a people.

After mentioning that though, it was rather funny that our 4 American cyclists were all held for questioning when they tried to exit the country at the Russian border. It was not a large issue and our Tour leader Gergo answered all the questions, but it shows how easily paranoia from politicians can filter down to government workers. Would CIA spies leave the country on a bicycle tour? Perhaps it’s a good strategy!

The first stretch of the Trans Europa has led us to Tallinn. The cycling days were not easy but they certainly are not the toughest and have allowed everyone to ease into the ride. The same could be said for our accommodations, with 2 cycling day hotels in Russia and then 2 camps in Estonia people are getting used to the day-to-day life on Tour. Camping does seem more challenging for some than others

Everyone has been commenting about the forests we cycle through in Estonia, the endless daylight, and the beauty of the Baltic Sea. Our two camps in Estonia allowed for people to go swimming in the Sea and while the water at the first camp was quite chilly at the second camp the water was shallower and allowed for some very pleasant splashing about.

Now that we are in Tallinn the cyclists are exploring the old town. Some of the staff headed to the “oldest bar in Estonia” the Hell’s Hunt which has the interesting logo of a naked woman hanging onto the back of a wolf apparently running through Hell. There is never a shortage of interesting venues to check out on a 2 ½ month trip across Europe!

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/west-before-south/feed/0The Trans-Europa Cycling Expedition beginshttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/17156/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/17156/#commentsMon, 07 Jul 2014 17:14:45 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17156 The first day of the Trans Europa Tour is complete! A later than usual departure from our hotel in St.]]>

The first day of the Trans Europa Tour is complete! A later than usual departure from our hotel in St. Petersburg due to the day’s short distance was welcomed by everyone and it was a under blue skies and warm temperatures that the Tour began.

Tour leader Gergo led the cyclists along a route that incorporated many side-lanes, sidewalks and bike paths to find the safest way to Peterhof. Everyone also had the opportunity to take some group photo shots in front of the Hermitage before departing from the center of St. Petersburg.

Now that it is the afternoon here in Peterhof most of the cyclists have headed over to the Palace nearby which Peter the Great had built in the early 1700’s. It’s referred to as the “Russian Versailles” and it is not hard to see why as it’s massive grounds were built to impress.

All around a fairly relaxing day, tomorrow brings a longer journey to Kingisepp and then it will be onwards to Estonia after that. Looking forward to our first camp on the Baltic Sea and to a continuation of these endless daylight hours.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/17156/feed/0White Nights on the 2014 Trans-Europa Cycling Expeditionhttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/white-nights-on-the-2014-trans-europa-cycling-expedition/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/white-nights-on-the-2014-trans-europa-cycling-expedition/#commentsSat, 05 Jul 2014 18:00:46 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=17150 St. Petersburg lies at just past 60 degrees north latitude. The city claims a population of almost 5 million people. ]]>

St. Petersburg lies at just past 60 degrees north latitude. The city claims a population of almost 5 million people. It’s an odd reality considering that, at similar latitude in Canada, you would find the city of Whitehorse, population 27,000. Of course as grand as St. Petersburg is it does feel to be on the edge of things. Even the airport is surrounded by dense forest where you could easily lose yourself in the wild (if you weren’t carrying your cell phone and checking Google Maps with your 3G connection)

With this northern starting point for our Trans Europa Tour we are lucky enough to experience the “White Nights”; with the sun setting past midnight and rising again shortly after it’s tempting to sleep little. Especially as we look forward to our start day on Sunday. Most of the cyclists have arrived in the city and bikes have been assembled. Our first day leads us to Peterhof, where Peter the Great built his rather magnificent home. Along the way we will take photos by the Hermitage and ride as a group all the way to our next hotel. It’s a short day to start our long journey across Europe.

The group is a mix of alumni from previous trips and people who are trying long distance cycle touring for the first time. Our staff is made up of 3 Europeans and a Canadian and our large blue Mercedes Sprinter is back for it’s amazing 8th Tour and looks sharper than ever after a complete makeover this past winter. Essentially we are ready to roll.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/07/white-nights-on-the-2014-trans-europa-cycling-expedition/feed/0Top 10 Foods for Long Distance Cyclinghttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/05/top-10-foods-for-long-distance-cycling/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/05/top-10-foods-for-long-distance-cycling/#commentsTue, 20 May 2014 18:12:59 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=16547 1. Spaghetti Bolognese A cyclist on their bikes all day should shed tears of joy onto their plate when served]]>

1. Spaghetti Bolognese

A cyclist on their bikes all day should shed tears of joy onto their plate when served Spaghetti Bolognese. Beautiful, majestic and heart-warming. I’m going to cry just thinking about it.

2. Oatmeal

I can see already some past TDA riders being upset with this one. Too bad. It’s the best thing you can put in your body at 6:00am before the big ride. It turns your stomach into a diesel engine. Perfect!

3. Bratwurst and Beer

Officially beer isn’t part of a food group, but you can’t eat Bratwurst without it so it’s included here. Anyone who’s ridden the OE knows the little shacks along the Danube where Bratwurst grows like grass in the spring.

4. Bananas

Though bananas won’t make you any smarter, they do pack nicely in a jersey pocket. Proven energy food for approximately 30 million years of monkey existence.

5. Risotto

Wild mushrooms, butternut squash, saffron; whatever goes inside is just a bonus. Risotto is sticky but in your belly it comes undone and travels up your bloodstream to massage those aching muscles.

6. Fries

Some nutritionists may not agree but they are overpaid and underfed. Whenever you have a chance stop at a fry place and devour what you can. If you’re lucky enough to be in Tanzania then get the Chips Mayai; an egg and fry omelette.

7. Barbecue

A barbecue is not a food but eating whatever is on one makes the list. Whether chewing on a sheep’s jaw bone or tasting grilled eggplant, those hot coals work wonders on the simplest of ingredients.

8. Kebab

Kebab, or his best friend Doner, for the long-distance cyclist is best wrapped in a fresh warm pita. Cyclists are fast and sometimes they need fast food and there isn’t any other option worth considering.

9. Injera

You’re stomach is only a baby until you have tried the delectable cuisine of Ethiopia and it’s centerpiece, Injera. Though the sudden metamorphosis some westerner’s stomachs undergo following ingestion can be disturbing to those around them, they will have power for the hills like they never had before. And this food will make you smarter.

10. Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti begins and ends the list and it is the matter which holds all food together, without spaghetti there would be no food and no list.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/05/top-10-foods-for-long-distance-cycling/feed/1The Silk Route Adventure Beginshttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/05/the-silk-route-adventure-begins/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/05/the-silk-route-adventure-begins/#commentsFri, 09 May 2014 16:42:10 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=16423 Two of our staff members for the Silk Route, both named Mercedes Sprinter, have spent the last 3 weeks in]]>

Two of our staff members for the Silk Route, both named Mercedes Sprinter, have spent the last 3 weeks in a very dark, cramped shipping container. Their journey to the start of the Silk Route began in Vancouver, had a change of boats in Korea and is closing in on the port of Tianjin near Beijing.

Shipping vehicles across the planet comes with risks and headaches. First there was the issue of fitting the vehicles into the container. We had to take some air out of the tires so they’d be lower than the container ceiling,. On top of that we had to find a very skinny person to drive them into the container as there were only a few inches on the side for someone to get out afterwards. It was a close fit but it worked!

The most unexpected of our challenges though was the Port strike in Vancouver just as we were due to ship the vehicles. This delayed us by about 10 days in the end, and it was an anxious time as no one had any idea when the strike would end. There was a sigh of relief when they left Vancouver but of course that was only the beginning.

Hopefully the vehicles will see the light of day around May 14th, with all the customs procedures and drivers licenses to acquire it is now looking doubtful they will be able to join us for our start in Shanghai. Though of course we will make alternate vehicle plans for the first few days it is a disappointment. Our local Chinese staff are working on it night and day. Our Tour staff will also be bending over backwards to deal with the situation and will be extra busy for the first stretch of the Tour till we have all our staff and vehicles with the Tour.

If only the vehicles could talk, I’m sure they would have quite a story. Of course this is only the beginning of the adventure and there will likely be many more tales of red tape, bargaining, cajoling and possibly bribery before our arrival in Istanbul. We wouldn’t have it any other way…

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/05/the-silk-route-adventure-begins/feed/1What’s Special on the 2014 Trans-Europahttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/03/whats-special-on-the-2014-trans-europa/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/03/whats-special-on-the-2014-trans-europa/#commentsSat, 01 Mar 2014 14:00:23 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=14726 whether it be a jazz festival in a small Slovakian town as we found in 2012, or being invited to]]>

whether it be a jazz festival in a small Slovakian town as we found in 2012, or being invited to a wedding party in Poland, or camping near a traveling circus in France… The adventure awaits!

There are countless highlights along the Trans Europa Route; 20 of which we have described here… these highlights exist year in, year out. However there are a few which only participants on our 2014 Tour will have the chance to experience.

Riga, Latvia. The labyrinthine roads of the old city and diverse architecture stretching from Gothic to Modernism will capture your attention, but 2014 marks Riga’s stint as the European Capital of Culture. The city is going to be buzzing with music, art, dance and more. What would be more fitting as well but to visit the National History Museum of Latvia where you can see the exhibit on “Amber Through the Times” Almost every hotel in the city is fully booked for our time in Riga, luckily we’ll be staying right in the heart of the old city in the midst of the action.

Venice, Italy. We’ll be arriving in Venice in style, loading our bikes into motorboats and then cruising through the city. You’ll be able to admire the architecture from the water, and during our 2 rest days you can admire it from a multiple of perspectives during the Venice Architecture Biennial

Madrid, Spain. There are too many museums and exhibitions in Madrid to list. Though if visiting museums is not your thing you can just as easily lose yourself in wandering the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city while enjoying the amazing tapas once the sun goes down. If you happen to be a basketball fan then you’ll have a great opportunity during our 2 rest days in Madrid. The World Basketball Championships are going on in the city and we’ll be there for the semi-finals and championship match.

This is just a sample of well-publicized events going on along our route. We can expect numerous smaller events this summer as well; whether it be a jazz festival in a small Slovakian town as we found in 2012, or being invited to a wedding party in Poland, or camping near a traveling circus in France… The adventure awaits!

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2014/03/whats-special-on-the-2014-trans-europa/feed/0Soul Foodhttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2013/05/soul-food/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2013/05/soul-food/#commentsWed, 08 May 2013 18:00:54 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=9183 If eating is the prize for long distance cyclists then you haven’t really won the race till you’ve cycled in]]>

If eating is the prize for long distance cyclists then you haven’t really won the race till you’ve cycled in Mexico. Imagine cycling 120km of rolling hills through the dry near desert climate and as you pass through towns along the road you see these…

You continue cycling and enter another village where a street vendor is serving up some impossible goodness…

With 50km still remaining in the day you cycle on though through a street market and smell the divine chilies that are the complex heart of Mexican cuisine…

Arriving to camp you find yourself dreaming of…

you look for a chair to put in the shade here…

and you start devouring this…

If you want to experience one of the grand cuisines of the world from the seat of your bike then don’t miss out on the North American Epic’s 2 Mexican sections – Baja California & Conquistadores.

Your soul will be happy.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2013/05/soul-food/feed/0A Hard Journeyhttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2013/04/a-hard-journey/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2013/04/a-hard-journey/#commentsWed, 24 Apr 2013 18:00:43 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=8744 Since Genghis Khan plundered his way through Central Asia the Silk Route has had another name at times…“The Route of]]>

Since Genghis Khan plundered his way through Central Asia the Silk Route has had another name at times…“The Route of all Evil” for us this name is sometimes used jokingly/lovingly regarding the Silk Route. Somehow this tour tests not only our organization but also each and every participant beyond what they could have imagined the day the Tour begins.

If there were ever a Tour for before and after photos this is truly it, but perhaps a CT scan would be better. It pressures the mind. I once worked on the Silk Route with a fellow who has led expeditions along the Arctic by cross-country skis and gleefully teaches others how to camp throughout our frigid Canadian winters. For him, the Silk Route, despite being a commercial tour that anyone can sign up for, was still one of his greatest challenges as an individual. It is not only the difficulty of the cycling, but also the nature of the Silk Route itself.

From our bicycles we witness people oppressed in their own land, and people who reach out in hospitality, as you could not experience anywhere else in the world.

People sometimes imagine the Silk Route and it’s storied history as a tale from times past. It is not; it is a living, breathing route that is ingrained upon the cultures it passes through. The reasons for attempting the crossing have changed over the centuries, but the essence of the journey has remained the same.

What is it about the Silk Route that tests us, that pushes us? It is a balance between nature and man-made obstacles. Mountain ranges such as the Tian Shan and Pamirs whose peaks ascend beyond 7000meters; the Taklimakan and Karakum deserts who host some of the hottest locales on earth; the bureaucracy of borders whose countries’ governments eye you suspiciously.

These challenges are faced from the seat of our bicycles. Above 4000 meters in the snow our bicycles continue on, as well as in the 50-degree temperatures of Turpan, China. Navigating our way through cultures that have shifted like the tides from east to west over the last millennia. From our bicycles we witness people oppressed in their own land, and people who reach out in hospitality, as you could not experience anywhere else in the world.

The Silk Route is a true expedition. It’s difficulty and length make it so that it grows to encompass you during the journey, you can feel as distant from your previous life as the ancient Silk traders and poet explorers once described. The stress of the journey will test you, and to be honest some people break under that stress, losing sight of the eventual goal. This is not a cause to fret though. Even the great Chinese poet Li Po of the Tang dynasty, born along the Silk Route, could commiserate…

So is the Silk Route truly the Route of all Evil? Not at all I’d say. It can be a harsh environment, so harsh that in centuries past it was a direction that some were banished too in punishment. For many Silk Route travelers though it was a journey that became the essence of their life. The taste of it, the sounds heard, languages listened too, stars gazed on cold desert nights and the forever mystery of the next day to come.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2013/04/a-hard-journey/feed/2Cycling in Istanbulhttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2013/04/cycling-in-istanbul/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2013/04/cycling-in-istanbul/#commentsTue, 23 Apr 2013 16:43:45 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=8702 TDA first arrived in Istanbul back in 2005 at the finish of the Orient Express Tour. As any participant that]]>

TDA first arrived in Istanbul back in 2005 at the finish of the Orient Express Tour.As any participant that year would tell you the entry into Istanbul was complicated.Local police were supposed to meet the tour at the edge of the city and guide us to the city center along the hectic road that runs along the Bosphorous.Unfortunately the police were both a couple of hours late and seemed to have no idea which way to take the group.The Bosphorous is lined with steep hills and the police decided it would be best if the cyclists avoided the flat but congested road along the water’s edge and instead followed every possible little road imaginable while climbing incessantly.There were no local cyclists to be seen and in general you could say the locals perception of our cyclists was mild incomprehension.

We’ve been bringing Tours through Turkey and into and out of Istanbul every year since and it’s been very interesting to watch how cycling in the city has evolved.It was extremely rare to see someone cycling in 2005 in Istanbul.It wasn’t only due to the lack of infrastructure but also a lack of interest by the populace.Cycling in Turkey never became an accepted mode of transportation as it did with it’s European neighbors to the west and as more and more Turks could afford cars the city streets became that much more unfriendly to potential cyclists.

However just these past 8 years, as our cyclists have crossed Turkey from west to east, we’ve noticed significant changes; especially in Istanbul. Where previously the main bike shops around stocked an incredibly high percentage of kids bikes and nothing for adults there are now many shops with all range of bikes including high-end mountain and road racing bikes.Where once you would see no local cyclists you now see many Istanbullis riding at the fringes of the city for recreation.Not only that though you see locals cycling along the very busy waterfront roads beside the Bosphorous on their way to work or school.Critical Mass, an organized group ride, on major city streets now has 3500 fans and gets local police support.There is also the Tour of Turkey, a major professional road racing event which now happens every spring.More positive steps can be seen here

Critical Mass, an organized group ride, on major city streets now has 3500 fans and gets local police support.

While the infrastructure for cycling in Istanbul has not dramatically improved, the desire of the locals to cycle in the city is taking off.Now can we at TDA take any credit as being trendsetters in Istanbul? Maybe to a small degreeJ as I think it shows the more you cycle the more good things happen, each and every difficult pedal stroke on one of our Tours is promoting cycling and just might make someone, somewhere, believe that a bike can take them where they need to go.

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2013/04/cycling-in-istanbul/feed/0Scouting Report – Singaporehttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2013/04/scouting-report-singapore/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2013/04/scouting-report-singapore/#commentsThu, 11 Apr 2013 13:10:45 +0000http://tourdafrique.com/?p=8490 A few weeks back we heard from Miles when he was in Thailand, making his way south along the route]]>

A few weeks back we heard from Miles when he was in Thailand, making his way south along the route of our new tour – the Bamboo Road. Miles is now airborne, returning to Canada from Singapore, and before his flight he sent us this wrap up of his scouting trip.

Monkeys, Monitor lizards, Raptors and the occasional Elephant walking down the street.

Singapore! The scouting is pretty much complete for this year’s Bamboo Road. The last leg of the journey was one of the most interesting. There are only a few ways to get into Singapore, probably the most common is through the airport, the next most common would be along the Causeway which allows car traffic to pass into the country from Malaysia, and the third way would be by ferry. Of course just to make it that much more unusual, we won’t be taking a large ferry packed full of cars and passengers, rather we’ll be on what the locals call “bum boats” that take about 10 people (and 10 bicycles) each. The great pleasure in this is both the short sea journey but also the chance to exit Malaysia and enter Singapore at two of the smallest, most relaxed border posts I’ve ever come across.

Singapore is also a pleasant surprise. The fact that it is sitting almost directly on the equator can tell you something about the temperature here. The tour will be arriving just before Christmas but no need to bring your long underwear; the temperatures in this part of the world take a little time to get used to but after a while it just feels like being in a warm bath.

After being in Singapore a couple days I think the city gets an unfair rap at times, I actually read that the hawker stalls (food stalls) were “too sanitized” Now from someone who worked a few years in restaurants I have a hard time understanding how anyone could criticize a chef for being too clean. The hawker stalls here lack a bit of the ambiance of the equivalent in Malaysia in terms of feeling more like being in a mall compared to a street setting but the food taste and quality is just as high or higher. No complaints!

Speaking of food, if you have any interest in Asian cuisine then this trip is going to blow your mind. Many people have experience with Thai cuisine, but I think Malaysia will be a big surprise for many people. The diversity of people in the region allows for amazing food options from South India, both North and South China, and Malay. In Melaka there is even a small Portuguese community and their influence upon the local cuisine is prevalent as well.

So after finishing scouting from Bangkok to Singapore, what would I say the highlights are? Well, to each there own of course but for me I’d say…

Penang. Feels like the world’s largest Chinatown.

Quiet beaches in Thailand. A couple spots where we’ll be the only foreigners around, great swimming and a chance to chill out.

Ethnic diversity of Malaysia.

Border crossings. An unusual one but the borders where we enter Malaysia and Singapore are the most laid back ever.

Endless Palm plantations in Malaysia. Makes you wonder what it must have been like before the jungle was turned into Palm trees, but the sure size of these plantations will astound you.

Krabi Province, Thailand. From our rest day in Ao Nang you can take a small boat to one of a number of little island beaches nearby. The scenery is stunning.

Humor of Thai People. They like to talk and have a great sense of humor. Truly hospitable people.

Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. 2 of the most bustling cities in the world. Get a glimpse of the urbanization of Asia.

Singapore. What a great way to end an arduous 3-month journey across Asia. A comfortable place… with sidewalks and people commuting by bike!

Monkeys, Monitor lizards, Raptors and the occasional Elephant walking down the street.

Scouting the Bangkok to Singapore section of our upcoming Bamboo Road has commenced, as of about a week ago actually. I’m now sitting in Ao Nang, not too far from the beach, sipping a Singha beer and trying to straighten my body out after a week of 10-hour driving days.

there is something about sitting out late at night in a small village, as the jungle air starts to cool, and you just can’t quite understand how on earth you ended up there.

Mr. Tick and Mr. Narong are helping me along the way. Mr. Tick has pointed out such things as the endless rubber plantations in the jungle, has told me that I should never feed the monkeys, and that he doesn’t like spicy food. Mr. Narong is a steady driver and gave me some coconut pancakes that his uncle makes in a small town along our route.

So what’s quirky about Thailand? In some ways it’s less about Thailand and more about cycling long distances in general and the types of places where one find’s themselves spending the night. One of Thailand’s’ major economic drivers is tourism and many towns and beaches cater to foreign tourists, but so far along our route we are staying in one beautiful beach town that sees 99% local Thai tourists, one jungle swamp Resort that sees mostly Thai government types, one lonely motel that sees mostly traveling salesman…

Not that the main tourist destinations don’t have their attractions, and we’ll be staying in Bangkok, Hua Hin and Ao Nang which all belong to that title, but there is something about sitting out late at night in a small village, as the jungle air starts to cool, and you just can’t quite understand how on earth you ended up there. There is no doubt that cycle tourism is the way to go.

Anyway, tomorrow it will be back on the road heading towards Malaysia. So far the scout has been going well. We have many side roads in store for us in Thailand, we get to see shrimp farms, salt farms, rubber and palm plantations, the beach of course and no shortage of yummy Som Tum salad (Papaya salad which I’ve been eating most days).

Our first few days in Romania have proven to be incredibly eye-opening. After crossing the border from Hungary into Romania, the differences were immediate and startling – new money and a new language of course, we’ve gotten used to that by now. What really surprised us was how outwardly friendly everyone is here. As we ride through little villages and towns, we are cheered on by nearly everyone that we ride past. Our days are full of waves, high-fives, and smiles.

Perhaps the Romanian people are simply Europe’s friendliest citizens, or perhaps they recognize that when they see riders, they realize what a daunting task it is to cycle through their mountainous country. We’ve endured some intense climbs, some nasty weather, numerous flat tires, and a few bad falls. These hurdles, however, appear miniscule in comparison to those that await us in the next few days. Luckily, we have the Romanian people as our cheerleaders.

The Carpathian Mountains may not be the Himalayas but nonetheless they present formidable obstacles to even the most experienced cyclist. Our group of daring riders will soon conquer the high peaks of the Transylvanian Alps by carefully navigating the hairpin turns, steep ascents, and sharp descents, while simultaneously striving to maintain a safe distance from the cyclists’ most dangerous obstacle, our most feared predator — the automobile.

For now, we’re in the city of Alba Iulia greasing up our gears for the upcoming train d’enfer. It’s now time to tighten our brakes, check the tread on our tires, practice yoga, and to say our prayers, because the next five cycling days that lead us to Bucharest will surely test our endurance and determination as we run the gauntlet.

– Josh Jones

]]>http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2009/07/our-greatest-challenge-yet/feed/0Catch You Further Down the Trailhttp://tdaglobalcycling.com/2009/06/catch-you-further-down-the-trail/
http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2009/06/catch-you-further-down-the-trail/#commentsWed, 13 Jan 2010 07:40:02 +0000/?p=2708

After leaving France, our team of riders have hardly left Germany's many bicycle paths. These cycleways offer a welcome reprieve from the challenges of sharing the road with cars and trucks that fly past at speeds far greater than ours. These paths offer a new sort of challenge — the paths are often very busy and packed with other riders, pedestrians, swarms of insects, mud, and gravel. At least once, the rough gravel has caused a rider to fall off of their bike and bite the dust. In spite of the hazards, each and every day along our route has been wonderful.

Our route largely follows the beautiful Danube River that begins in the town of Donaueschingen and flows eastward from a natural spring called the Donauquelle. We follow the designated paths that correspond to this river all the way to Bratislava, Slovakia; however, the ride from Eggelstetten to Kipfenberg and on to Regensburg changed things up a little bit when we instead followed the Altmühltal cycle path that follows the flow of the river of the same name. This allowed us to enjoy a number of Germany's beautiful forests, small villages, farms, and even the occasional flea market.

We have been fortunate to have had incredibly beautiful weather along the way. The crisp, clean air and bright sunlight have made each day a real joy. In fact, we've had to leave camp in a downpour only once — and the rain cleared up before noon. Let's hope that we continue to be so lucky on our journey east.

The great meals that Hatice and Miles provide offer the perfect incentive for us riders to make it to lunch and dinner. Adam, Mark, and Paul from Nova Scotia, whom we collectively call the "Jackrabbits" because they leave in the morning at lightning speeds to make it back to camp early. What's the rush guys? Maybe they're just hungry and are eagerly awaiting the next meal. The rest of us tend to ride together, and we also tend to make frequent stops. In the morning we scout out a nice bakery or café for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and a little snack. In the afternoon we often make another stop. This time it's for something cooler, like an ice cream cone or a tall glass of beer.

The time that we spend together when we aren't riding has been just as enjoyable. We spend lots of time at camp getting to know one another a little better by telling stories, the occasional joke, and talking about the people that we miss back home. Besides the time that we spend on our bikes, the best part of every day is the chance to explore the new places that the tour brings us. Now we're enjoying a well deserved rest day in Regensburg before we head back to the trail for five more days until we reach our next chance to sleep in a warm and comfortable bed in beautiful Vienna.

Ah… What a change! Our first day in Northern Kenya and it's so peaceful. We don't have to duck and dove for rocks or put up perimeter fencing around our camp anymore. Plus you can actually stop and have a decent conversation with the locals as most of the speak English and are friendly and welcoming us into their country. Karibu (welcome) is shouted at us as we ride past.

The ride was a great 80km from the Moyale border town to Sololo, a little town in the middle of nowhere. There is a shop with a warm coke or two an a few camels, cows and baboons roaming the camp but that's all. However, the roads are horrible: corrugation, rocks and sand the whole way. For the road bike riders it's definitely not that much fun but for the mountain bikers it is just short of heaven. I just can't see myself on a road bike with no suspension on these horrible roads.